UAW calls potential China-made Buick 'alarming'

UAW's Estrada: "The Envision should be made in the U.S. by the workforce that saved GM in its darkest time."

DETROIT -- The UAW is criticizing the prospect of General Motors importing a Buick crossover from China, calling the potential move "alarming."

GM is considering the export of the Buick Envision midsize crossover from China to the U.S., Automotive Newsreported on Monday. Industry forecasters expect GM to bring the vehicle stateside sometime in the second half of 2016.

Cindy Estrada, vice president of the UAW's GM department, said in a statement today that the union negotiators will raise the issue during contract talks.

"The Envision should be made in the U.S. by the workforce that saved GM in its darkest time," Estrada said.

She called the prospect of a China import "especially alarming" in light of the ongoing talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a proposed pact among the U.S. and 11 other countries. The UAW opposes aspects of the proposed pact, such as giving the president the authority to approve it without the consent of Congress.

"GM should stand by its declaration that it will build where it sells," Estrada said.

A Buick spokesman said last week that GM has not disclosed plans for the Envision beyond China. He declined to comment on the prospect of exporting it for sale in the U.S.

The Envision has been selling well in China since its debut last year and would fit into Buick's U.S. lineup between the small Encore and large Enclave.

Buick's U.S. sales fell 3.1 percent through July. Double-digit percentage declines for each of its three sedans -- the Verano, Regal and LaCrosse -- offset a 35 percent jump in Encore sales.